Bulgaria is a place where history is
counted in Epochs. The first was dominated by the Thracians. These
ancient Indo-European tribal people settled in that area of Eastern
Europe known today as the Balkans, extended to the Danube. With no
written language of their own, we are left to learn about them today
from their rich archaeological remains, and from the Greek writers who
were their contemporaries.
What modern man has learned from these remnants of Thracian myth and
culture is dramatic. We believe they were expert horse breeders and
fierce warriors; that they produced fine wines, and were artful
metalworkers, creating exquisite adornments, ritual objects and vessels
in gold and silver. With no written language of their own, we are left
to learn about them today from their rich archaeological remains, and
from the Greek writers who were their contemporaries.
The Thracians left a remarkable cultural heritage. Their tradition was
founded on the Orphistic belief that man was immortal.
Officially converted to Christianity in the ninth century, many of
Bulgaria's ancestral pagan beliefs and customs continue through to the
present day and are profoundly embedded in Bulgarian folklore.
As the nature awakened to new life, the ancient inhabitants of our lands
were filled with hope for a bountiful harvest and happiness throughout
the coming year. They also feared the waywardness of weather and the
vicissitudes of fortune.
According to the mythological beliefs, the resurrection of nature was
accompanied by the re-awakening of various evil and hostile creatures;
dragons, elves and goblins, snakes and lizards, all coming out of their
lairs in the spring.
Therefore, the Bulgarian springtime festivals are associated with
different rituals and magic rites intended to stimulate growth in nature
so as to ensure bountiful crops, to protect people from diseases and the
evil influence of the mythical beings, to stave off natural disasters,
and to secure a suitable match and a happy married life to young people.
